Jackson

Deacon Joseph S. Jackson, 96, of Goochland, entered into holy rest on May 1, 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gracie Miller Jackson; parents, George Wilson and Carrie Williams Jackson; and one son, Lloyd McDonald Jackson. He leaves to cherish his loving memory two sons, Earl S. Jackson (Kathy) and Arthur J. Jackson (Ruby); one devoted niece, Lula Watson Taylor; and two sisters-in-law, Eddie M. Cargill and Janet Alston. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, two godchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Remains rest at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, 2530 Dogtown Rd., Goochland, Va. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Fauquier Baptist Church, 2455 Dogtown Rd., Goochland, Va. Rev. Melvin Woodson, pastor, officiated.

Vavra

Patricia Ann Vavra, of Manakin-Sabot, succumbed to inoperable brain cancer on May 6, 2010, at age 78. She is survived by her husband of nearly 59 years, Luke A. Vavra; and three children, Jamie Lynne Vavra of Bowie, Maryland, Theresa Vavra Lacy and her husband, John Lacy, of Chesterfield County, Virginia, and Thomas Martin Vavra and his wife, Toni Vavra, of Chesterfield County, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Vavra; and her older brother, Tedde (Bass) Brinton. Her seven grandchildren are Timothy Kousky of California, Jason Kousky of Indiana, Justin Kousky of Connecticut, Sierra Lacy of Richmond, Virginia, Sagan Lacy of Chesterfield County, and Jessica Vavra and Dylan Vavra of Chesterfield County. Jason and his wife made Pat a proud great-grandmother. Pat is also survived by her half-brother, Charles Gary Brinton of Arkansas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Pat was born in Ogden, Utah in 1931, the daughter of Charlene Bell Bass Brinton and Murry McDonald Bass. She attended schools in Salt Lake City. She and Luke met at Centenary Methodist Church in Salt Lake City and were married in 1951 in that church. Pat was an important contributor to Luke’s success in his military career. Throughout frequent moves, she created secure and love-filled homes wherever the family settled. Pat embodied a sense of grace and beauty which manifests itself in her extensive swan collection. She was also an active participant with Luke in Cartographic Arts, an antique map business they founded in 1976. She was an avid gardener, tending the plants with the same love, creativity and patience she had bestowed on her family. This past November, Pat was delighted on her 78th birthday to have received exactly 78 cards from her friends and family. A private celebration of her life will be held. She leaves behind a quiet legacy, eyes that appreciate beauty, and positive attitudes and patience to cope with a troubled world. Her strength of character inspired us all. She will be remembered for her gentle, generous and loving spirit. She will be greatly missed by those who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you plant a tree in her memory. Donations in her honor could be made to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, or the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond.